Internet in the feminine. Using feminine strategies in the hacker culture

Abstract

A number of feminist movements have historically accused technology of being part of the patriarchal structure. Indeed, different research studies demonstrate that access to the design and development of technology has an uneven gender distribution. However, Internet is a cultural production and, according to Castells, hacker culture is an essential component of the cultural basis of the Internet. This new culture comprises some characteristics that are closely tied to the values which are historically considered to be “typically feminine” such as creativity, cooperation or informality. Castells argues that technology is a fundamental dimension of social change and that the type of technology a society develops and disseminates is, to a great extent, a model of its material structure. Therefore, cyberfeminists see in this new technology the possibility for women to access the technology itself, to use it and be part of its design. Is Internet an opportunity to eradicate the gender digital divide?

Keywords: Internet, technology, hackers, gender, digital divide, free culture.